Breast feeding has become such a big issue these days and a lot of pressure has been put on us mums to do it and if we don't do it we are judged. On my first daughter I was so determined to breastfeed that I tried and tried but it just didn't work. I was so upset and exhausted that after a few days I put her on bottles and never looked back. It was such a relief to have her feeding and me not crying. It turned out that she was tongue tied and that was why she wouldn't latch on. It is very common so I discovered after and there is a procedure that can be done to help.
Then on number two it was a different story she latched on straight away and never came off! It was great at first but after two weeks I was wrecked and it was on demand feeding. I really didn't know how I was going to feed her and look after a toddler when my husband went back to work. It was great not having to do the bottles but I really didn't feel myself and was so dying to get back to wearing a proper bra! Also I didn't feel comfortable doing it in public.
So at four weeks I weaned her on to bottles and she was great. I did it really slowly so I didn't get that much soreness. Every few days I substituted one feed with a bottle feed. I was also expressing so she was still getting the breast milk just in the bottle then eventually got her on to the aptamil.
Breast feeding is great for feeling close to your baby but weather you choose to do it or not is your own decision and how long you do it for is what suits you and no one else. I have done both and both my babies are well and healthy.
Tip: Lansinoh lanolin cream is fantastic if breast feeding and no need to remove before feeding.
